Performer: Taylor Swift | Set: 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' | Recap: Smashing in a blinding-white mini-suit and thigh-high boots, tongue firmly in cheek, the coyly confessional diva crooned her mega-hit as some poor schlub played the humble beau. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: Elton John, Ed Sheeran | Set: 'The A-Team' | Recap: John joined fellow Brit and first-time nominee Sheeran for a simple, felt rendition of the younger singer/songwriter's plaintive ballad. The old pro sat at the piano and let Sheeran, fervidly strumming his guitar, take the emotional spotlight. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: fun. | Set: 'Carry On' | Recap: The latest little band that could played one of its anthemic singles, with frontman Nate Ruess looking suitably intense and making his case (if not all the notes) loud and clear. We're not sure if the downpour at the end was entirely necessary, but as the singer looked a bit sweaty, it was hopefully refreshing. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley | Set: 'Over You' and 'Home' | Recap: The country stars joined forces – Lambert glam in a sparkling dress, Bentley more casual in jeans – for their respective hits. Lambert ended raising her arm triumphantly, then draping it affectionately around her colleague. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: Miguel, Wiz Khalifa | Set: 'Adorn' | Recap: R&B star Miguel, right, kept things relatively simple singing his nominated hit; there was the obligatory melisma, but not too much of it, and he seemed to have a swell time with guest rapper Khalifa. They even wore matching pinstriped jackets – probably the set's flashiest feature. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: Mumford & Sons | Set: 'I Will Wait' | Recap: The English folk-rock darlings delivered their usual energy and profiency, with singer Marcus Mumford leading his bandmates through chugging, frenetic choruses, then keeping things lean and earnest for the verses. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z | Set: 'Suit & Tie,' 'Pusher Love Girl' | Recap: OK, the four-day tease for his recent album announcement was a bit much; but Timberlake lived up to the hype with this smooth double shot, seguing from the silky Suit & Tie to the similarly old-school-soulful Pusher Love Girl. Guest Jay-Z added extra kick, and the guys looked very classy in their tuxes; we're sure the network approved. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: Rihanna (with Mikky Ekko) | Set: 'Stay' | Recap: Looking luscious in long tresses and a (tastefully) sexy black gown, the diva offered a stripped-down, surprisingly supple reading of the song – better and sultrier than the album version. Ekko, who also appears on the recording, lent fluid backing vocals. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: The Black Keys, Dr. John, Preservation Hall Jazz Band | Set: 'Lonely Boy' | Recap: The Grammy-winning rock band served up a muscular set with a little help from their friends. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: Kelly Clarkson | Set: 'Tennessee Waltz,' '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' | Recap: It's not exactly news that Clarkson is still the most gifted singer that American Idol has produced; but if anyone needed a reminder, this robust, glowing performance – brief as it was – did the trick. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: Bruno Mars, Sting, Rihanna, Ziggy Marley | Set: 'Locked Out of Heaven,' 'Walking on the Moon,' 'Could You Be Loved' | Recap: The exuberant young star, Mars, gave props in person to one of his obvious influences, Sting, who impressively fielded the impossible high notes of a Police fave. They were joined by Rihanna and Marley and his brothers for one of their dad's classics, bringing the crowd to its feet. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: The Lumineers | Set: 'Ho Hey' |Recap: The best new artist nominees were clearly revved up to perform their frisky hit, and the audience seemed to eat it up. Hey, the refrain’s easy to remember, right? Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: Jack White | Set: 'Love Interruption,' 'Freedom at 21' | Recap: The rocker may not have had a prayer to win best album for his 'Blunderbuss,' but he still delivered these two tracks with gusto – and the band gave his punk-blues some extra bite. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: Hunter Hayes | Set: 'Wanted' | The best new artist nominee performed an abbreviated version of his hit. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: Carrie Underwood | Set: 'Blown Away,' 'Two Black Cadillacs' | Recap: She may have looked like a prom queen – a very lovely one, at that – but the wholesome country-pop star sounded convincingly fierce singing about love and retribution. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: Elton John, Zac Brown, T-Bone Burnett, Mavis Staples, Mumford & Sons, Brittany Howard | Set: 'The Weight' | Recap: An homage to the late jazz great Dave Brubeck was oddly brief, but Levon Helm, who also died last year, got a worthier tribute with this robustly sung all-star jam through one of the Band's most treasured tunes. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: Juanes | Set: 'Your Song' | Recap: The Colombian star introduced himself to a new audience performing the Elton John classic. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performer: Frank Ocean | Set: 'Forrest Gump' | Recap: The banana-flavored jacket was a questionable choice, but the man who should have taken home this year's best new artist prize (and did collect other trophies) proved he's a keeper. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Performers: LL Cool J, Chuck D, Z-Trip, Travis Barker, Tom Morello | Set: 'Whaddup' | Recap: According to Rolling Stone, Z-Trip put this "all-star mixing of rock, rap and turntablism" together after working with LL Cool J, and assembled the team that hit the stage to close the show. Is a supergroup in the works? "One day at a time," Morello told Stone. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY